What Are Allergic Shiners?

Allergic shiners are dark circles under the eyes caused by congestion of the nose and sinuses. They’re usually described as dark, shadowy pigments that resemble bruises. There are many possible causes of dark circles under your eyes, but allergic shiners got their name because allergies are best known for causing them. Allergic shiners are also called allergic facies and periorbital hyperpigmentation.

can occur year-round, but may be worse in winter when houses are closed up

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a cold or sinus infection and allergies. The biggest difference is that a cold will likely also cause a low-grade fever and body aches. If your dark circles and other symptoms persist, your doctor may refer you to an allergist for more specific allergy testing.

Allergic shiners are caused by nasal congestion, another term for a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion happens when the tissues and blood vessels in the nose become swollen with excess fluid. A common cause of nasal congestion is allergic rhinitis, or allergies. This is often the case in children and young adults.

In an allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance like pollen or dust mites as something harmful. This substance is known as an allergen. Your immune system produces antibodies to defend your body from the allergen. The antibodies signal your blood vessels to widen and for your body to make histamine. This histamine reaction leads to allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.

Allergic shiners occur when congestion in your sinuses leads to congestion in the small veins under your eyes. The blood pools under your eyes and these swollen veins dilate and darken, creating dark circles and puffiness. Any type of nasal allergy can lead to allergic shiners, including:

outdoor allergens, such as tree, grass, ragweed pollen, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever

cigarette smoke, pollution, perfumes, or other irritants that can make allergy symptoms worse

People whose allergies affect their eyes are at a higher risk for allergic shiners. Allergies that affect your eyes are known as allergic conjunctivitis. In allergic conjunctivitis, your eyes become itchy, red, and puffy. You may rub your eyes frequently, making your allergic shiners worse.

While allergic shiners are most often associated with allergies, other causes of nasal congestion can also lead to dark circles under the eyes. These include:

A prescription drug called montelukast (Singulair) is also effective at blocking the inflammation caused by allergies. Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, consists of a series of injections with the allergy-causing proteins. Over time, your body builds up tolerance to the allergen. Eventually, you will no longer have symptoms.

You can also try the following lifestyle changes and practical solutions to help reduce your allergy symptoms:

shut your windows and use the air conditioner during your allergy season

use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter

use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help soothe irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in the nose

use allergy-proof covers for your mattress, blankets, and pillows

clean up water damage that can lead to mold

clean your house of dust and pet dander

wash your hands after petting an animal

wear sunglasses outside to keep pollen out of your eyes

place traps to get rid of cockroaches in your house

check your local weather forecast for a pollen count, and stay indoors when they are highest

use a nasal saline mist twice a day to remove pollen from the nose and clear excess mucous

rinse your nose with a neti pot (a container designed to flush out your nasal passages)

cook or season your food with turmeric, which has been shown to suppress allergic reactions